'Idol': What should Taylor and Katharine sing?

Yes, it’s true that this season’s American Idol finalists have taken delight in spurning the song requests that all of us have been posting here at PopWatch for the last several weeks. And indeed, some wise person once said that insanity is repeating the same activity over and over again and expecting a different result. But who ever said PopWatch was a place of mental stability? In that spirit, here are my final attempts to sway Taylor Hicks and, pictured, Katharine McPhee (who are both awaiting your letter grade of their work to date) to create my ultimate Idol season finale. Won’t you do the same?

Taylor: Okay, I get it – loud and clear – the gray-haired dude is not about to tackle ”Lady Marmalade” (his loss). But my good friend Doni from Kentucky emailed me last week with a suggestion that’s even more must-hear: Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near).” Trust me, Taylor, sing it, and things will never be the same again.

Katharine: All of you know I’m immune to the McPheever (symptoms of which include an occasional shrieking noise in the ears and severe ego-tosis), but I could possibly (maybe) (almost) catch it if Katharine took on Pat Benatar’s ”We Belong.” It’s delicate, but not so delicate that Kat won’t be able to go for the power notes (which she seems intent on doing); plus, it’s got a clear, gorgeous melody. Now, sing it. SING IT!